Mk53 Thermonuclear Weapon

The Mk53 thermonuclear weapon had an airburst, contact burst, and "laydown" (delayed action detonation) capability. The Mk53 was equipped with 5 parachutes; one 5 ft. pilot chute, one 16 ft. chute, and three 48 ft. chutes. If free-fall delivery was required, the canister containing all of the parachutes could be jettisoned. A "clip-in assembly" on top of the displayed Mk53 bomb was designed to hold the bomb in storage and attach it quickly and safely to the bomb bay rack within the plane. An integrated mechanical and electrical lock-release system prevented an inadvertent release of the weapon. In order for the bomb to be dropped, two bands suspending the weapon had to be released by an explosive device.

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